Caribbean Writers Summer Institute readings, 1991, AFRO Books and Things

Welcome and introduction to the event are given by an unidentified man. Barbadian writer George Lamming reads an extract from "In the Castle of my Skin," and gives an introduction into why he is reading this particular extract. Sharon Freeman from Saint Thomas, Virgin Islands, reads the first poem that she ever wrote, titled "Reverie and Brewers Bay"; “For Mother,” a tribute to her mother; “Waiting,” which she describes as social commentary, written as voice for underprivileged, written in “the language of the people;” "Sunset"; and "African too." Juanita Harmon starts in midst of reading a work about "back home," being in a large family and meeting each other during a large dinner. A child from America is visiting Jamaica for the first time. Jamaican writer Eileen Marshall introduces the next group of 5 readers, who will read works from an assignment given during the workshop by Kamau Brathwaite to write 3 poems of memory. Marshall reads two works in progress: "The Sacrifice" and "Sister Self" [or perhaps "Sister Said"]. Recording resumes in the middle of Miami author Joan Kurzban reading a poem about a child, her father, and memory, followed by a poem called "The Last Dance,” which is as she says “a take-off on voodoo which I know nothing about.” Kurzban also reads from a longer work called “The Bamboo"; "The Poinciana" from Lamming’s homework assignment; and "Ode to Brathwaite." Bahamian writer Marion Bethel reads her poem about the Poinciana tree, followed by Trinidad-born Bermudan author Rawle Frederick reading a poem about the Poinciana and another poem about a tree. Trinidadian writer Michael Anthony talks about his time at the workshop and turning a new leaf writing poetry versus prose. He reads a poem title “Tree of my Dreams,” about a tree that stands outside his door in Trinidad; dedicates the reading to James Mitchner, Zack Bowen, George Lamming, and Kamau Brathwaite. Barbadian writer Kwado Kamau reads an extract from a longer piece he is working on about two men, a flash back to 10 years previous. Guayanese author Mickey Anderson reads proverbs from Guyana in Guayanese Creole, then explains them. After an interruption in the recording, it resumes with Eileen Marshall reading from an unknown work. Marshall also provides closing remarks.